Young Leaders to Convene in Cornwall for 5th Annual Climate Action Summit

Cornwall – Youth from across the greater Frontenac Arch Biosphere region will gather at the Benson Centre on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, for the fifth annual Youth Climate Action Summit (YCAS). Hosted by the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network (FABN), City of Cornwall, in partnership with its Youth for Climate Action Working Group and The River Institute, the Summit
empowers youth with the tools, connections, and inspiration to lead meaningful climate action in their communities.

The event will bring together youth (aged 14-18) to share ideas, build skills, and strengthen their capacity to lead meaningful climate action in their communities. It’s a unique opportunity for youth to connect with both leaders and mentors in the environmental sector, as well as other youth advocating for climate action.

“Youth are not just leaders of tomorrow — they are leaders today. The Youth Climate Action Summit provides a platform for their voices, ideas, and energy to shape real change in our communities,” says Shannon Lem, FABN’s Executive Director.

“Hosting the Youth Climate Action Summit in Cornwall highlights the strength and creativity of our local youth,” says Angela Parker, Founder of Cornwall’s Youth for Climate Action Working Group, and Sustainability Project Coordinator for the City of Cornwall. “Their passion for climate solutions is inspiring, and this event ensures their voices are heard at the forefront of change.”

The day will open with a keynote address from Dr. Ojistoh Horn, a Mohawk / Haudenosaunee woman and family physician from Kahnawake and Akwesasne, who works with her community through all stages of life. Dr. Horn will speak on “Local Action for the Health of the Planet,” grounding the Summit in both Indigenous knowledge and practical solutions. Following the keynote, youth will participate in a working lunch catered by Cornerstone Organics, a local first-generation family farm that will share tips on sustainable growing as part of a workshop later in the day.

In the afternoon, youth will choose two out of 18 workshops to attend, on topics including: a youth climate café circle, growing fruits and nuts from seed, active transportation, water quality monitoring, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the local water purification plant. Several workshops will be held in both English and French. New this year will be a panel discussion on
entrepreneurship featuring three local businesses ready to speak to their experience of creating their dream jobs.

The Summit features a collaborative session where students begin developing Climate Action Plans (CAPs) for their schools or communities. To support implementation, youth attendees can apply for up to $500 in seed funding to bring their projects to life. The YCAS model was first developed in 2009 by The Wild Center in the Adirondacks. FABN is proud to adapt this model locally, with continued support from The Wild Center team.

Although the event is coordinated by FABN, the Summit would not be possible without Cornwall’s Youth for Climate Action Working Group and YCAS Planning Committee youth volunteers, who ensure that this event is for youth, by youth.

This year’s event is made possible thanks to the generous support of Intact Insurance, Canarm, the Social Development Counsel SDGCA, Your Credit Union, Poptronic VR, Chromatographic Specialties Inc. and John D. Warner Insurance Brokers Inc.

More information about YCAS and the online registration form (opening October 1st and closing October 17th) can be found at: frontenacarchbiosphere.ca/event/youth-climate-action/.